Microphone holder and the like



2 Sheets-Sheet l 2 2 06 5 9 28 m @23 2 a Z 33.; 1 i I Z a 5 s 2 am my Ib a wnh! Wm /.Z, R w .5 m .|.IW\H! RN 0 U f 9 1L owe U 4- m .c. 5 7 96 634 wild 403 57 I55 4 4 I 2 HH 5 ET AL June 6, 1967 w H MICROPHONE HOLDERAND THE LIKE Filed Nov. 22, 1965 Fig.|.

June 6, 1967 w, SHAW ET AL MICROPHONE HOLDER AND THE LIKE 2 Sheets-Sheet2 Filed Nov. 22, 1965 bit/ mm INVENTORS Henry W. Show 8| Howard C. Gambl%WW United States Patent C 3,324,254 MICROPHONE HQLEER AND T 111. LIKEHenry W. Shaw and Howard C. Gamble, Morrilton, Ark; said Gamble assignorto said Henry W. Shaw, doing business as Sound-Craft Systems, Inc.,Morrilton, Ark.

Filed Nov. 22, 1365, Ser. No. 513,646 17 Claims. (Cl. 179-153) Thisinvention relates to a microphone holder or the like. More particularly,this invention pertains to such a holder, preferably extensible, inwhich a microphone or other sensitive instrument carried thereby isrelatively insulated against vibration, impact and shock of kinds whichattend usage thereof by speakers, lecturers or other persons using arostrum, lectern, stand or other support to hold such microphone orother sensitive instrument. This application is a continuation-in-partof my copending application, Ser. No. 213,661, filed July 31, 1962, andnow abandoned.

Embodiments of this invention provide attractive holders for microphonesand other wired instruments because the wiring is concealed in theinterior thereof. Further, the part of the holder carrying suchmicrophone or instrument is connected to a shock insulated member toinhibit and deaden vibration, impacts and shocks normally arising in thecourse of their use of a microphone or such an instrument. Preferably,such holder is extensible to suit persons of different height which isparticularly advantageous with microphones, for example, which operatebest when close to the mouth of the speaker. Embodiments of thisinvention may be utilized on a variety of supports including thoseassociated with lecterns, rostrums, lecturing and other devices fittedwith a holder for a microphone or the like so as to be ready for quickuse when turned on. Further, embodiments of this invention preferablyincorporate a jack-and-plug subassembly for quick and convenientconnection and disconnection of the instrument held, such as amicrophone, useful, for example, in the case of a portable lectern whereit often is desirable to disconnect the microphone to better secure itwhen the lectern is to be closed and carried to some other location.

Other objects, features and advantages of this invention will beapparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings,which are illustrative only, in which FIGURE 1 is a view in sideelevation of one embodiment of this invention, when it is not beingused, mounted on a portable lectern, with the microphone-adapter removedtherefrom for safeguarding as during transport of the device;

FIGURE 2 is a view of the embodiment shown in FIG- URE 1 with themicrophone-adapter in place and the embodiment extended nearly to itsfull height on the support after the lectern cover has been removed;

FIGURE 3 is a partial view in section taken along line IIIIII of FIGURE2;

FIGURE 4 is a detail view somewhat enlarged of cooperating parts shownin FIGURE 3 in the vicinity of the lower end of the extension tube ofthe illustrated embodiment;

FIGURE 5 is a detail View somewhat enlarged of cooperating parts shownin FIGURE 3 in the vicinity of the upper end of the extension tube ofthe illustrated embodiment;

FIGURE 6 is a longitudinally sectioned view of a modified form of themicrophone holder shown in the preceding figures, and illustratinganother embodiment of the shock absorption means and associatedcomponents;

FIGURE 7 is an elevational view of another form of microphone holder andthe like arranged in accordance with the invention;

FIGURE 8 is a longitudinally sectional view of the miice crophone holderas arranged in FIGURE 7 and taken generally along reference lineVIII-VIII thereof; and

FIGURE 9 is a partial elevational view, partly in section, of a modifiedform of the microphone adapter shown in FIGURES 2, 3, and 5 andillustrating cooperating looking means formed thereon and on theadjacent end of the microphone holder illustrated in FIGURE 6.

In the drawings, an extensible microphone holder embodiment 11 of thisinvention is of metal or other suitable material shown mounted on asupport surface 11 of a lectern or other device requiring such a holder.As shown, a wholly or partially removable cover 12 is provided such asmight be used in case lectern 11 is to be transported from place toplace. Holder 10 comprises a hollow swivel coupling 13 having a hollowlower arm 14- with a downwardly projecting externally threaded stem 15to pass through an opening 16 in support 11. Swivel coupling 13 is aconventional article and provided with a dished upper washer 17 and alower washer 13 between which support 11 is clamped to mount holder 10when a nut 19 is tightened. Lower arm 14 because of the use of washers17 and 13 is able to be rotated about the vertical axis of stem 15 toprovide the horizontal component of the desired virtually universalmovement of holder 10.

Coupling 13 is also provided with a hollow upper arm 24 which has anelbow joint connection with the top of the lower arm 14 about thehorizontal axis of a carriage bolt 21 connecting the two arms at theelbow and compressing suitable rings of slidable friction material 22 ina vertical plane around the perimeter of each elbow part of each arm sothat arm 20 will remain in whatever angle and position to which it ismoved about the axis of bolt 21 relative to lower arm 14. Conductorwires 23 extending between the upper or outer end of holder 16 andelectronic or electrical components below support 11 in the lectern, orelsewhere, remain concealed irrespective of the articulation and/orextension of holder 1%. Terms used herein such as upper and lower, innerand outer, horizontal and vertical, are used in a relative sense ratherthan as absolute positional terms.

The outer end of upper arm 29 is internally threaded to receive thelower threaded end of a mechanical annular plug or baffle 24 to fastenthem together. Annular plug 24 is fastened in and to the lower end of astand tube 25 by a press fit or otherwise. Plug 24 is provided with acentral opening 26 which constricts the opening for the conductors 23between the interior of swivel 13 and the interior of stand tube 25. Aguide collar 27 is provided at the upper end of stand tube 25. Collar 27has a smooth bore 28 and a larger internally threaded counterbore 29which engages the upper threaded end of tube 25 to fasten them together.A resilient O-ring 31 is positioned between the upper end of stand tube25 and a shoulder 31 in collar 27 between the bore and counterbore.O-ring 30 is slidable relative to the smooth exterior of an extensiontube 32, the outer end of which is threaded to engage and hold aninternally threaded smooth exterior cylindrical ring 33 which may bemade of a material like brass for its firm but slidable characteristicrelative to the smooth interior surface 34 of stand tube 25. Ring 33also serves as a stop to prevent extension tube 32 from being pulledupwardly out through collar 27 inasmuch as the diameter of ring 33 isgreater than that of bore 23 and O-ring 30 serves as a cushion bumperfor ring 33 in the event extension tube 32 is pulled out that far.

The upper end of extension tube 32 is threaded and provided with anacorn cap closure 35 having a central opening 36 therein around andradially spaced from a threaded neck 37 at the top of a shock insulatingtube 38. A jam nut 39 looks cap 35 in place. A doughnut cushion 40 ofrubber or other elastic or resilient material fits over the base ofupper neck portion 37 and is retained in place by cap 35. Cushioncenters neck 37 relative to extension tube 32 and keeps it in the centerof opening 36 so that mutation, or other normal movements of extensiontube 32 caused by touching it, or transmitted to tube 32 through standtube 25, or otherwise, do not correspondingly move the insulating tube38 which supports microphone 41 in holder 10. The vibration, impact andshock insulation of tube 38 is completed by mounting of its lower neckportion 42 in a doughnut cushion 43 also of rubber or other elasticmaterial, surrounding the neck between the shoulder provided by thelarger normal diameter of tube 38 and the bottom edge 44 of tube 32. Thebottom of neck 42 is flared or expanded at 45 to bind cushions 43 with aportion thereof between edge 44 and the expanded portion 45.Consequently, either in the handling of the lectern 11 or of the holder10, or in the actions or movments of the speaker or user, microphone 41is protected against shock and vibrations which otherwise might reachthe microphone and be amplified, or interfere with the performancethereof.

A connector sleeve 46 is lined with electrical insulation 47 and has aninturned annular flange 48 at the bottom thereof through which threadedneck 37 extends :for engagement by a correspondingly shaped nut 49 inthe bottom of sleeve 46. Sleeve 46 is fixed in place between nut 49 anda jam nut 50 on the outside of flange 48 to hold sleeve 46 and memberscarried thereby at the time being in axial alignment with the axis ofinsulating tube 38 and correspondingly insulated against shock, impactand/or vibration as described above. The upper end of sleeve 46 isinternally threaded to receive a threaded plug base 51 supporting asingle stem switchboard type axial plug 52, the outer end 53 of which isadapted to coact with a jack contact spring clip 54 in a microphoneadapter 55, current being conveyed from tip 53 through terminal 56connected to the appropriate one of the wires 23. Tip 53 is electricallyinsulated in plug 52 from column 57 which usually is grounded andconnected to a terminal 58 connected in turn by soldering or otherwiseto the other wire conductor 23, the two terminals being separated by anelectrical insulating block 59 forming a part of member 51.

Microphone adapter comprises an adapter sleeve 60 which is tapered forattractive flush surface continuation of the lower portion of microphone41 as shown in FIGURE 2. As shown, the interior of sleeve 60 is linedwith a suitable electrical insulation. The lower end of sleeve 60 isclosed by a conventional telephone-type jack containing a non-groundedspring clip 54 to make contact with tip 53 when it is inserted throughopening 61 in the base 62 thereof, the grounded portion 57 of the plugduring connection being in electrical communication with a metallicportion of jack base 62 electrically insulated from clip 54 in themanner known by those having knowledge of such jacks. A grounded springclip 63 is also provided in sleeve 60 on the grounded side of thecircuit, the two spring clips, insulated from one another, beingconnected respectively to flexible wires 63:! and 54a which lead toappropriate pins in a microphone plug 64 in the upper end of sleeve 60adjacent an internally threaded portion 65 thereof which engages acorresponding but exteriorly threaded lower end of the case ofmicrophone 41 for the vfastening of 41 and 55 together with microphoneplug 64 plugged into microphone socket 66 in the base of the microphone41.

Consequently, in the use of an embodiment of this invention such asmicrophone holder 10, the microphone can be set at any compound angledesired inasmuch as it has relatively universal movement and most oftenis used inclined from the point of its support at 11 toward a speakersface. Persons of different height using it, can adjust the height tosuit themselves depending upon the amount of telescoping they desirebetween tubes 25 and 32. In the course of handling or use, the

sensitive microphone itself is protected and insulated againstvibrations, impact and/ or shock with better performance resulting. Thesetting up of the holder 10 for use is but the work of a moment inasmuchas the microphone 41 with its adapter 55 fixed thereto comprises anaxially arranged jack at the lower end which can simply he slipped Overand plugged to plug 52 to fully connect all of the parts of the holdertogether. Conversely, when the use of the holder 10 is finished, thepower is shut off, microphone 41 with its adapter 55 is simply pulledoff plug 52 and removed, the extension tube 32 is shoved down into standtube 25 and moved to any out-of-the-way position desired, including onesuch as that illustrated in FIGURE 1. In collapsing tubes 25 and 32, itwill be noted that in fully telescoped position shown in FIGURE 1, thelower end of tube 32 and hence the lower end of the shock insulatingtube 38 remains spaced an appropriate distance away from annular plug 24and that space will accommodate and nest the extra length of theconductors 23 needed when the device is fully extended. Such nestingwithin the bottom of stand tube 25 protects the electrical joints of theconductors and inhibits their movement downwardly through the hollowinterior of swivel 13 when the operating tubes 25 and 32 are telescoped,thereby leaving the device ready for the next extension without puttingundue strain or pulling on the concealed conductors 23.

Referring now to FIGURE 6 of the drawings, a similar extendablemicrophone holder is illustrated, with a modified form of the shockinsulating tube 38 and associated components, together with a modifiedform of the guide collar 27. In FIGURE 6, similar reference characterswith primed accents denote similar components of FIGURES 1 to 5.

In this arrangement of the invention, the acorn cap closure 35 (FIGURES3 and 5) is omitted, leaving the jam nut 39' in position as shown as astop for telescoping movement of the extension tube 32' as noted below.The microphone connector sleeve 46' is provided with a relatively largerdiameter with reference to the extension tube 32' so that the adjacentthreaded end of the extension tube 32' is inserted loosely within thedepending skirt portion 70 of the sleeve 46'. The axial counterbore 72,which forms the skin 70, terminates a short distance upwardly, as viewedin FIGURE 6, of the adjacent end of the extension tube 32' to form astop 74 defining, relative to the extension tube 32, the lower limit ofmovement of the shock insulation tube 38' and the connector sleeve 46'which is threaded thereto as denoted by reference character 76. When theshock tube 38 and the connector sleeve 46' are thus joined,unthreadingly thereof is prevented by means of set screw 78.

The upper limit of movement of the shock tube 38' and connector sleeve46' relative to the extension tube 32 is defined by engagement (notshown) of an out-turned flange secured to the lower end of the shocktube 38 and positioned for engagement with the adjacent lower end 44' ofthe extension tube 32'.

The shock tube 38 is positioned co-axially and spacedly, in thisexample, within the extension tube 32 by means of upper and lowerrelatively soft rubber annular members 82 and 84. Other suitable plasticmaterial can be employed in the fabrication of the washers 82 and 84 aslong as such materials have an equivalent resiliency. The upperresilient washer 82 is secured at the desired position along the lengthof the shock tube 38' by an outwardly extending shoulder 86 formedthereon and by the adjacently disposed threaded portion 88 thereof. Thelower resilient washer 84 is positioned adjacent the lower end of theshock tube 38 by engagement with a journal or necked-down portion 90formed in the outer wall surface of the shock tube 38. The elasticity ofthe resilient washers 82, 84 is such that they can be readily expandedfor insertion of the shock tube 38' through their central openings.Additionally, the washers 82 and 84 are about the same outer diameter asthe bore of the extension tube 32', or slidably larger, so that when thewashers are forced therein to the positions shown in FIGURE 6, theybearingly contact the adjacent smooth inner wall surfaces of theextension tube 32'. Therefore, when axially displacing forces generatedby shock, impact, vibration or the like are applied to the extensiontube 32' or to the shock tube 38, including components more or lessrigidly associated therewith, the resiliency of the washers 82 and 84permit limited displacement of the shock tube 38' relative to theextension tube 32' in order to minimize or to eliminate such forcesbefore they can be transmitted to the connector sleeve 46 and to themicrophone when attached thereto.

The frictional engagement of the outer peripheral edges of the washers82 and 84 with the smooth inner walls of the extension tube 32 is suchthat the washers 82 and 84 will not slide along the inner wall surfacesof the tube 32 without rolling or undergoing other severe distortion.Thus the shock tube 32' is returned to its original position byresilient action of the washers 82 and 84 (which are desirably maderather flat for this purpose) after removal of the shock or impactforces. In furtherance of this purpose the upper and lower stops 80 and74, which in this example are substantially equally spaced from theassociated ends 44' and 92 of the extension tube 32, are further spacedrelative thereto to terminate relative movement of the shock tube 38'relative to the extension tube before a permanent displacement orsliding of the washers 82 and 84 occurs. Thus, the shock tube 38 and theconnector sleeve 46' always remain in the same position as shown inFIGURE 6 relative to the extension tube 32' in the absence ofapplication of shock or impact forces. Following removal of such forces,the resiliency of the washers 82 and 84 returns the shock tube 38' tothe original position as shown, inasmuch as the placement of theaforementioned stops terminates movement of the shock tube 38 in eitherdirection relative to the extension tube 32' before the resilientwashers 82, 84 can be permanently displaced or their peripheral edgesotherwise moved longitudinally of the extension tube 32'.

The jam nut 39' can be adjustably threaded, if desired, to form analternative, adjustable lower limit stop for the shock tube 38' bycontacting the lower edge 94 of the connector sleeve skirt portion 70 toterminate downward movement of the connector sleeve 46' and shock tube38 threaded thereto. Primarily, however, the jam nut 39 serves as alower limit stop for downward telescoping movement of the extension tube32 into the stand tube 25'. A brass slider ring 33 is threaded onto thelower end of the extension tube 32, and, when the extension tube 32' isfully withdrawn or extended from the stand tube 25, engagement of theslider ring 33' with an inwardly formed shoulder 96 of the guide collar27' serves as the upper limit stop for movement of the extension tube32'. In this form of guide collar 27, as illustrated in FIGURE 6 of thedrawings, the O-ring 31' is positioned in a groove 97 disposedintermediately of the upper and of the guide collar 27' and its limitshoulder portion 96 in order to lend greater stability to the extensiontube when the latter is positioned at or near its fully withdrawnposition.

Referring now to FIGURES 7 and 8 of the drawings, another form ofmicrophone holder 98 is illustrated therein. In FIGURES 7 and 8, similarreference characters with primed accents denote components which aresimilar to related components of FIGURES 1 to 6, as the case may be. Inthe arrangement of FIGURES 7 and 8, the various electrical connectionsand leads illustrated previously in FIGURES 1 to 6 have been omitted andthe holder 98 is adapted to engage and secure a cylindrical base or atubular portion supporting a microphone or the like, by means of itsupper bifurcate clamp 100, which in this example, is lined with feltstrips 102 secured thereto. In the latter arrangement, where the holder98 is used for supporting a microphone or other electrical equipment, itis intended that the electrical connections therefor will be madedirectly to such equipment or through an auxiliary support (not shown)therefor.

The base portion of clamp 100 is compressed slightly and insertedbetween upwardly extending arms of the bracket member 104, where it ispivotally mounted on the bifurcate bracket 104 by means of sleeve bolt105 or the like. As better shown in FIGURE 8, the bracket 104 isthreaded upon the axially extending neck-down portion 106 of adaptersleeve 168 as denoted by reference character 110. The adapter sleeve 108is in turn threaded upon the upper threaded end of the shock tube 38' asdenoted by reference character 76', where it is held by set screw 78'.

The shock tube 38 is positioned within a stand tube 112 by means ofwashers 82 and 84' in the same manner as described in connection withthe shock tube 38 and the extension tube 32' of FIGURE 6. The stand tube112 is substantially similar to the extension tube 32 except that it isnot telescoped within an outer stand tube, but instead is threaded atits lower threaded end into the upper end of an interiorly threadedconnecting collar 114. The lower end of the connecting collar 114 is inturn threaded to upper arm 116 of a swivel joint denoted generally bythe reference character 118 and including a bifurcate lower arm 120within which the upper arm 116 is pivotally mounted for resistingmovement relative to the lower arm 120 by means of clamp screw 122. Thelower swivel arm 120 is provided with a securance stud 124 and relatedhardware for mounting of the holder 98 upon a lectern or console panelor other suitable support (not shown). Desirably, the pivot connectionof the swivel coupling 118 is parallel to the pivot 105 of the clamp 100so that a compound adjustment is provided as the stand tube 112 ispivoted, for example through a vertical angle.

For shock impact and vibration absorption purposes, the operation of theholder of FIGURES 7 and 8 is substantially similar to the operation ofthe shock mounting of FIGURE 6 of the drawings, with the shock tube 38'of FIGURE 8 being moved resiliently relatively to the stand tube 112 inthe same manner as the shock tube 38 of FIG- URE 6 moves resilientlyrelative to the extension tube 32'. It will be obvious, of course, thatthe shock mounting .as described in connection with FIGURES 4 and 5together with the resilient cushions 40 and 43 can be substituted forthe corresponding components of FIGURE 8, and also that the holder 98 ofFIGURES 7 and 8 can be made extensible by telescoping the stand tube 112into an outer stand tube (not shown) in the manner illustrated in thepreceding figures with reference to extension tube 32 or 32 and standtube 25 or 25.

Referring now to FIGURE 9 of the drawings, where again referencecharacters with primed accents refer to related components of thepreceding figures, an exemplary form of locking device is shown forensuring the securance of the microphone adapter 55 to the upper or plugend of the connector sleeve 46, so that the microphone adapter 55 ispositively secured upon the microphone holder, for example the holderillustrated in FIGURE 6 of the drawings. In this arrangement of theinvention, the microphone adapter 55' is provided with a lower skirtportion 126 into which the upper end of the connector sleeve 46 togetherwith the axial plug 52' of the microphone holder can be inserted. Theskirt portion 126 of the microphone adapter 55 is closely fitted aboutthe connector sleeve 46 when thus inserted by means of an inwardlyextending lip 128, having a transverse or axially extending groove 13-0therein.

When the microphone adapter 55 and the connector sleeve 46 arerotatively aligned a ball detent 132 or similar protuberance mountedlaterally adjacent the upper end of the connector sleeve 46' is shapedfor passage through the groove 136 in such aligned position. When thusinserted, the parts, i.e., the microphone adapter 55' and the connectorsleeve 46, are normally secured to gether by co-action of the jackspring contact 54 with the grooved tip 53 of the axial plug 52'.However, the symmetry of the axial plug 52' and associated componentspermits angular displacement of the connecting sleeve 46 and associatedcomponents of the holder about its longitudinal axis while stillmaintaining electrical contact with the spring contact 54 and the jackbase 62'. Thus, by rotatably displacing the connecting sleeve 46', theball detent 132 thereof is displaced from a position directly above theretaining lip groove 130 such that axial engagement of the ball detent132, in the rotated or locked position, with the skirt lip 128 preventsunintentioned axial withdrawal of the microphone adapter 55' from theconnecting sleeve 46 and the remainder of the microphone holder.

Desirably, the microphone adapter skirt 126 is provided with a smallrecess 134 or other suitable index in alignment with the skirt groove130, and a similar recess 136 is formed in the connecting sleeve 46' inalignment with the ball detent 132 in order to indicate the properrotative positions of the microphone adapter 55 and the connectingsleeve 46' for insertion and locking, or unlocking and removaloperations. If desired, the indexing recesses 134 and 136 can be coatedwith red paint or the like to facilitate identification and subsequentuse of the indexing recesses. The rotatable locking means of FIGURE 9thus cooperates with the axial plug and spring contact arrangement 52',54' in maintaining the microphone adapter 55' in a position of lockedelectrical contact with the upper end of the microphone holder, asviewed in FIGURE 9, and specifically to the connecting sleeve 46'thereof.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that novel and efiicient forms ofholders for microphones or the like have been disclosed herein. Whilethere have been shown and described certain presently preferredembodiments of the invention together with preferred methods ofpracticing the same, it is to be distinctly understood that theinvention is not limited thereto, but may be otherwise variouslyembodied and practiced within the scope of the following claims.

We claim:

1. An extensible microphone holder or the like, comprising, incombination, a hollow swivel coupling adapted to be fastened to asupport, said coupling having a lower arm with a vertical axis aboutwhich said holder or the like is adapted to be swung, said couplingfurther having an upper arm rotatable about a horizontal axis relativeto said lower arm to provide universal movement for said holder or thelike, a stand tube fastened to said upper arm in alignment therewith, amechanical annular bafile constricting a conductor opening through saidupper arm and stand tube, an extension tube in slidable telescopingrelation to the interior of said stand tube, a guide collar connected tothe outer end of said stand tube having a smooth bore through which saidextension tube slidably passes and a larger threaded counterbore forafiixation to the said outer end of said stand tube, a centering O-ringcushion bumper within said guide collar and around the outside of saidextension tube, a slidable stop fixed to the lower end of said extensiontube and projecting somewhat radially outwardly of the outside thereof,the diameter of said stop being greater than the diameter of said borein said guide collar, a shock insulating tube extending coaxiallythrough said extension tube and in resil ient spaced relation to theinterior thereof, said insulating tube being mounted in elastomeric ringcushions at the upper and lower ends thereof to hold said insulatingtube resiliently relative to said extension tube, a cap having anopening therethrough larger than the outside diameter of said insulatingtube, the upper end of said insulating tube being threaded, a connectorsleeve having an axial opening at the lower end thereof for passage ofthe upper end of said insulating tube, a nut inside said connectorsleeve to engage said upper end of said insulating tube, lock nut meansto fasten said connector sleeve immovably to the upper end of saidinsulating tube for insulation against shock along with said insulatingtube, a single stem telephone-type plug fastened to the upper end ofsaid connector sleeve and projecting axially and outwardly therefrom,the bottom of said extension tube when in fully telescoped relation tosaid stand tube being spaced from said baflde, a microphone adapterhaving an adapter sleeve, a telephone-type jack closing the lower end ofsaid adapter sleeve and having a central axial opening adapted to beengaged and disengaged from said plug by insertion thereof therein andremoval therefrom, a microphone plug free in the upper part of saidadapter sleeve and connected to said jack by flexible conductors, theupper end of said adapter sleeve being internally threaded topermanently receive the correspondingly externally threaded lower end ofa microphone with a microphone socket to engage said microphone plug,whereby, said extensible microphone holder or the like provides quickconnection and disconnection means for said microphone, said holder orthe like can be pointed in any desired direction and elevation with aselected length of holder suited to the user of said microphone and saidmicrophone is insulated against shock, impact and vibration.

2. An extensible microphone holder or the like, comprising, incombination, a hollow swivel coupling adapted to be fastened to asupport and provide relatively universal movement for said holder or thelike, a stand tube fastened to said coupling, an annular baflieconstricting an internal opening between said coupling and stand tube,an extension tube in slidable telescopic relation to said stand tube, aguide collar connected to the outer end of said stand tube and having acushion bumper guide for the outside of said extension tube, a slidablestop fixed to the lower end of said extension tube and within said standtube at all times, a shock insulating tube extending coaxially throughsaid extension tube and in resilient spaced relation thereto, the lowerends of said extension tube and said insulating tube being substantiallycoterminous and spaced from said bafi'le when said holder is fullycollapsed, the upper end of said insulating tube extending outwardlybeyond the outer end of said extension tube, a connector sleeve fixed tosaid upper end of said insulating tube in spaced relation to saidextension tube, a single stern telephone-type plug fastened to andprojecting axially from the upper end of said connector sleeve, amicrophone adapter having an axially operative telephone-type jack atthe lower end thereof adapted to be engaged and disengaged by and fromsaid plug, a microphone electrical connection component in said adaptersleeve above said jack and connected thereto by flexible conductors, theupper end of said adapter sleeve adapted to be rigidly affixed to amicrophone with engagement of said component, whereby, said extensiblemicrophone holder or the like provides quick connection anddisconnection means for said microphone including said adapter, saidholder or the like can be adjusted to any desired position and saidmicrophone insulated against shock, impact and vibration.

3. An extensible microphone holder or the like, comprising, incombination, a hollow swivel coupling adapted to be fastened to asupport and provide relatively universal movement for said holder or thelike, a stand tube fastened to said coupling, an extension tube inslidable telescopic relation to said stand tube, means for limiting theextent of axial sliding movement of said extension tube relative to saidstand tube, a shock insulating tube extending coaxially through saidextension tube and in resilient spaced relation thereto, a connectorsleeve fixed to said insulating tube in spaced relation to saidextension tube, a single stem telephone-type plug fastened to andprojecting axially from the upper end of said connector sleeve, amicrophone adapter having an axially operative tele 9 phone-type jack atthe lower end thereof, adapted to be engaged and disengaged by and fromsaid plug, the upper end of said adapter sleeve adapted to be rigidlyafiixed to a microphone.

4. An extensible holder for a microphone or the like comprising, incombination, a mounting swivel adapted to provide relatively universalmovement for said holder, a stand tube connected to said swivel, anannular baffle constricting an opening adjacent the joint between saidswivel and said stand tube, an extension tube in coaxial telescopingrelation to said stand tube, the bottom of said extension tube when infully telescoped relation to said stand tube being spaced from saidbaffle, a microphone or the like, telephone-type plug and jack members,one of said members being connected to said extension tube, the other ofsaid members being connected to said microphone or the like whereby saidholder is extensible, provides quick connection and disconnection forsaid microphone or the like and provides space for conductors in thelower end of said stand tube when said holder is d telescoped.

5. An extensible holder for a microphone or the like, comprising, incombination, a mounting swivel adapted to provide relatively universalmovement for said holder, a stand tube connected to said swivel, meansconstricting an opening through the lower end of said stand tube, anextension tube in coaxial telescoping relation to said stand tube, thebottom of said extension tube when in fully telescoped relation to saidstand tube being spaced from said means, electrical quick connectionmembers, one of said members being connected to said extension tube andadapted to coact with the other of said members connected to saidmicrophone.

6. A holder for a microphone or the like, comprising, in combination, amounting to provide movement for said holder, a first tube connected tosaid mounting, a shock insulating tube extending coaxially relative tosaid first tube and in resilient spaced relation thereto, saidinsulating tube being mounted in cushioning rings adjacent the upper andlower ends thereof to keep said insulating tube steady despite movementof said first tube, single stem plug and jack connection members, one ofsaid members being connected to said insulating tube and adapted tocoact with another of said members connected to a microphone or the likefor quick connection and disconnection, whereby said microphone isinsulated against shock, impact and vibration.

7. A shock absorption holder for a microphone or the like, said holdercomprising a mounting to provide movement for said holder, a first tubeconnected at one end thereof to said mounting, a shock insulating tubeinserted within said first tube and extending in spaced substantiallyco-axial relationship to said first tube, a pair of resilient annularmembers spacedly mounted on said shock tube and bearingly engaging theadjacent inner surfaces of said first tube so that shock impact andvibrational forces are absorbed by said shock tube and said resilientmembers without permanently displacing said shock tube relative to saidfirst tube, said shock tube protruding from the other end of said firsttube, and clamp means mounted on said protruding shock tube end andengageable with a microphone or the like.

8. The combination according to claim 7 characterized in that saidclamping means are pivotally mounted on the protruding shock tube endand said first tube mounting is a pivoted coupling having the pivot axissubstantially parallel to the pivot axis of said clamp means to providea compound adjustment of said clamp means relative to said first tubemounting.

9. The combination according to claim 7 characterized in that stop meansare provided for limiting the axial displacement of said shock tubewithin the resilient limits of said annular members without permanentdeformation of said annular members or sliding engagement thereof withannularmembers to its original position relative to said first tubeafter application and removal of said shock forces.

10. The combination according to claim 7 characterized in that saidresilient members are generally washershaped to extend the limit ofresilient movement thereof and to extend correspondingly the limits ofaxial -displace ment of said shock tube relative to said first tubewithout attendant permanent deformations or sliding engagement of saidresilient members relative to said first tube.

11. The combination according to claim 9 characterized further in thatsaid shock tube protrudes axially from each end of said first tube, andsaid limit mean-s include a stop member mounted on each of saidprotruding shock tube ends in outwardly and axially spaced relationshipwith the respective adjacent ends of said first tube.

12. The combination according to claim 11 characterized further in thatthe stop member adjacent said other first tube end includes an adaptersleeve secured to the adjacent protruding end of said shock tube andhaving a skirt portion into which said first tube outer end is looselyinserted and axially spaced from a terminal counterbore portion formingsaid skirt, and said clamp means is pivotally mounted upon said adaptersleeve.

13. The combination according to claim 11 characterized further in thatsingle stem plug and jack connection members are provided, one of saidmembers being connected to the shock tube stop member adjacent saidother first tube end for co-action with the other of said connectionmembers coupled to a microphone or the like, and electric leads areextended through said shock tube and said mounting and connected to saidone connection member.

14. The combination according to claim 13 characterized further in thatsaid last-mentioned stop member is a generally cylindrical sleevesecured to said shock tube, "and said other connection member is mountedupon a microphone adapter portion having a skirt portion into which saidsleeve is closely fitted, spring contact means form part of said jackconnection member and are engageable with a groove formed in said plugmember for retaining said members together, and grooved lip and detentmeans are cooperatively formed on said sleeve and on the inner surfaceof said skirt portion and are disposed so that insertion and rotation ofsaid sleeve within said skirt portion locks said parts together.

15. The combination according to claim 9 characterized further in thatmeans are provided on said shock tube for retaining said annularresilient members thereon against axial movement relative thereto, andsaid limit means includes an end portion of said shock tube protrudingfrom the adjacent end of said first tube, and an out-turned flangesecured to said protruding shock tube portion and spaced from said firsttube adjacent end but juxtaposed thereto for engagement therewith withinthe corresponding limit of resilient displacement of said annularmembers.

16. A shock absorption holder for a microphone and the like, said holdercomprising a mounting to provide movement for said holder, a first tubeconnected at one end thereof to said mounting, a shock insulating tubeinserted within said first tube and extending in spaced substantiallyco-axial relationship to said first tube, a pair of resilient annularmembers spacedly mounted on said shock tube and bearingly engaging theadjacent inner surfaces of said first tube and of said shock tube sothat shock impact and vibrational forces are absorbed by said shock tubeand said resilient members without permanently displacing said shocktube relative to said first tube, said shock tube protruding from theother end of said first tube, single stem plug and jack connectionmembers, one of said members being connected to said shock tube forco-action with another of said connection members consaid first tube sothat said shock tube is returned by said nected to a microphone or thelike, and electric leads extending through said mounting and throughsaid shock 2,062,125 11/1936 Foster 179-189 tube and connected to saidone connection member. 2,435,816 2/1948 Anderson 179150 17. Thecombination according to claim 16 in which 2 525 911 10 1950 Keene et 124 35 X said first tube is an extension tube telescoped within a 3 153123 10 19 4 Harman 179 14 stand tube secured to said mounting and meansare .pro- 5 vided for slidably mounting said first tube within saidFOREIGN PATENTS Stand tube- 668,730 3/1952 Great Britain.

References Cited UNITED A S N S KATHLEEN H. CLAFFY, Primary Examiner.

758,304 4/1904 Fergusson 179-152 10 WILLIAM c. COOPER, Examiner.

3. AN EXTENSIBLE MICROPHONE HOLDER OR THE LIKE, COMPRISING, INCOMBINATION, A HOLLOW SWIVEL COUPLING ADAPTED TO BE FASTENED TO ASUPPORT AND PROVIDE RELATIVELY UNIVERSAL MOVEMENT FOR SAID HOLDER OR THELIKE, A STAND TUBE FASTENED TO SAID COUPLING, AN EXTENSION TUBE INSLIDABLE TELESCOPIC RELATION TO SAID STAND TUBE, MEANS FOR LIMITING THEEXTENT OF AXIAL SLIDING MOVEMENT OF SAID EXTENSION TUBE RELATIVE TO SAIDSTAND TUBE, A SHOCK INSULATING TUBE EXTENDING COAXIALLY THROUGH SAIDEXTENSION TUBE AND IN RESILIENT SPACED RELATION THERETO, A CONNECTORSLEEVE FIXED TO SAID INSULATING TUBE IN SPACED RELATION TO SAIDEXTENSION TUBE, A SINGLE STEM TELEPHONE-TYPE PLUG FASTENED TO ANDPROJECTING AXIALLY FROM THE UPPER END OF SAID CONNECTOR SLEEVE, AMICROPHONE ADAPTER HAVING AN AXIALLY OPERATIVE TELEPHONE-TYPE JACK ATTHE LOWER END THEREOF, ADAPTED TO BE ENGAGED AND DISENGAGED BY AND FROMSAID PLUG, THE UPPER END OF SAID ADAPTER SLEEVE ADAPTED TO BE RIGIDLYAFFIXED TO A MICROPHONE.